Find the top rated horseback riding trails in West Virginia, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Rode only about 14 miles of it...7 out and 7 back last spring. Lots of walkers in the downtown area. It was clear and was well maintained when I was on it. Pretty flat on the section i rode. I'd ride it again.
My brother and I rode this trail last week (July 14-15). Our trip included not only the Mon River Trail North and South but also the Caperton Trail, a little of the Sheepskin Trail, the MC Trail (Marion County Trail) and few miles of the Deckers Creek Trail. We broke it up in 2 days as we wanted to take enough time to enjoy Prickett’s Fort State Park. I would encourage anyone to visit it as it was enjoyable. The fort is a reconstruction of the original from 1774. It provided a place for settlers to seek refuge from Indian attacks. Also, the original farmhouse built in 1859 by Job Prickett along with the Bray Blacksmith Shop are nearby. The folks explaining about the history were very good. There is a museum with a nice video show and a gift shop.
Day 1 of our trip started at the Van Voorhis Road Trail Head (almost MM4). (Note: The trailhead has additional parking on the other side but be careful as the road is not in good shape). We were staying at a B&B right there so it made things very convenient. Both days were in the 90’s however, we were riding in enough shade. We started south. The Monongahela River was next to us. Within in a few miles or so, the trail becomes the Caperton Trail (MM6). The trail transitions from crushed limestone to a paved surface. There are plackets located around explaining some history about Morgantown and Star City. These are always nice to read. You can see the monorail transit system for West Virginia University (WVU). Also, right off the trail there was an entrance to the Seneca Center where we found history of the old Seneca Glass Company. The center has local shops and restaurants and a bike shop. A branch for the Deckers Creek Trail will be next (MM10) and we rode a few miles of it. The elevation change is a bit steep but we did not encounter that in those few miles. We proceeded back south on the Caperton Trail for a mile or so at which it becomes the Mon River South Trail (MM11+) and crushed limestone again. The next 6 miles the Monongahela River is on one side and some rock formations with small water falls are on the other side. We saw a dam near Hildebrand (1 of 3 for the 2 days) and one train whistle stop stone marker. Mostly shady and at times felt pockets of cooler air coming through which made it better. Around MM17 we decided to stop and return back. Once we were at our starting point, we rode the Mon River Trail North to Point Marion to do a little of the Sheepskin Trail. A point of interest is the Fort Martin (Coal) Power Station which was something to see. (Note: No “Entering Pennsylvania or Entering West Virginia” signs – which we were hoping for). Rode around Point Marion for a bit and returned back to call it a day. 43+ miles.
Day 2, we drove to Prickett’s Fort State Park. The MC Trail (Marion County Trail) starts there and the trail is mainly in the shade and is paved. The enjoyable part is riding through the 1200-foot lighted Meredith Tunnel. The trail is around 3 miles. When we got back, we took time to enjoy Prickett’s Fort State Park. Afterwards, we started our trip riding north on the Mon Rail Trail South section (MM 29) to where we stopped the day before (MM 17). Crushed limestone and again the Monongahela River on one side and interesting rock formations with small water falls on the other. We stopped into The Junction Café (which is located in the state park) for something to eat after our bike ride. Day 2 was 31 plus miles.
Both days were fun with plenty to see especially with Prickett’s Fort State Park. The crushed limestone was small and very easy to ride. No big holes or gullies. We both have hybrids and we average between 8 to 10 MPH to just enjoy ourselves. Note: there were not many portable potties once you were off of the Caperton Trail. There was one at the Van Voorhis Road Trail Head.
Did 16 from Oakdale to Burgettstown. Ate at Paradise on the Trail. Allegheny County had black topped a bunch, which is great. Fantastic trail!!
Finished a 3-day ride that started at the trailhead in Cass, WV and ended in a small park outside of Lewisburg. First 2 days we had periods of downpours and sunshine, but nice temperatures. The last day was sunny with low humidity.
All 3 days, the trail was in good condition despite some puddles during the downpours. The crushed stone surface held up well with no serious wash outs. A lot of the trail was "2 track" with thick grass between the tracks, but very manageable even in the rain.
Beautiful trail that's mostly shaded and close to the Green River most of the way. Did not see many other riders, especially during the 2 rainy days. I consider it a remote trail and cell phone service is spotty at best. There are a number of "vault" bathrooms on the trail next to primitive camping spots. The only town of any size that you go through is Marlinton that has about 3 miles of asphalt instead of the crushed stone.
Beautiful is the best way to describe it from my experience. The only drawback is that the crushed stone is a little rough in some areas, so you have to pay attention most of the time.
Highly recommend it if you like remote trails with plenty of scenic areas.
About three miles east of Morgantown begins a steady 11-12 mile climb. Lots of shade, no facilities. Great ride but takes effort
38 miles round trip of shaded bliss. Nice wide track of crushed stone. No facilities except at Ft Prickett. Rode in 100 degree heat but was very comfortable.
We parked at Colliers Station and traveled a few miles down to Weirton. Weirton is the low elevation on the trail. We biked to the Pennsylvania/West Virginia state line. There is a marker and picnic area. Continued uphill in PA and stopped in Burgettstown. The replica train station along the trail is a little restaurant with ice cream, cold drinks, sandwiches, etc. We biked up to Bulger PA which is the highest point on the trail. Trail is asphalt paved in very good condition. Most of the trail is not shaded and goes through open areas. There are occasional sections of the trail that are wooded and offer shade. Between Weirton and Bulger we passed a few well maintained parking lots. There are map signs at each trailhead. We plan on riding the rest of the trail another time.
I am happy to report that the Allegheny Highlands Trail is 100% open and in great shape. We departed Hendricks not fully knowing if the trail was open, closed or just in very rough shape. We were delighted to find out that the trail was not only open all the way but the smoothest part of the trail was where the bridge construction was. The repair to the trail is complete and there is a nice layer of crushed stone to take you through where the construction site was. From Hendricks to Hambleton, the trail is paved but has quite a few cracks and ridges. Nothing too bad and very passable. The rest of the ride from Hambleton to Elkins is a mix of pavement and crushed stone and the trail is excellent shape the whole way. There a few parts with high grass and vegetation that crowds the trail but again, nothing that hinders passage. The thing I loved most about this trail is the variety of towns and countryside. It is truly a ride through the back yard of Americana culture and a window to way people live in rural America. The town of Parsons had some great little restaurants and be sure to grab a cup off coffee at The Sunrise Coffee Company. Elkins was a great place to stay the night and offered great food and a free concert in the park with Top Shelf performing. Great band!
After finishing this trail I was surprised to see that it received a 2 star review. While this is not a well groomed urban trail nor a remote back country ride, this trail offers a pleasant ride through the back yard of America with wonderful little towns along the way and absolutely beautiful countryside. The wild flowers alone were a spectacular addition and the small towns offered us a place to grab some lunch along the way. The best part of all is that the trail exists for our enjoyment and is absolutely free to anyone who wishes to wander its path. That alone deserves more than 2 stars.
After riding from Elkins to Hendricks, we decided to extend our ride and take on the uphill ride to Thomas. We throughly enjoyed a rainy day ride through the canyon and on into the town of Thomas. The climb is constant but never that difficult. The trail, while rough at times was doable on a Trek FX3 with 40mm tires. However, I would recommend suspension for the downhill ride. Our hands were quite numb from the vibration of the rocky trail with no suspension on our bikes. Overall, the trail was a great addition to our ride that day and added a challenging 10.7 miles up and a very easy coast back to Hendricks. Great scenery along the way with waterfalls, deep canyon ravines, coke ovens and the wonderful town of Thomas. I think in order to fully appreciate this ride you need to start in Hendricks for the ride up the canyon to Thomas to fully deserve the very easy downhill ride back to Hendricks. After traveling from Elkins, we thoroughly enjoyed the remoteness of Blackwater Canyon and constant sounds of the river below. The trail is rocky but well maintained for the most part and high grass was not an issue at all. This trail has been on my list for years and was well worth the wait.
THE CLOSURE NOTICE AT THE TOP OF THE DESCRIPTION IS INACCURATE. As of June 2026 the trail is open to at least MM 15. The bridge repairs are causing a series of rolling closures and you need to check the trail website to see what's currently closed.
Great segments with bike shop in the middle right on the trail. A few porta potties on the route were nice.
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